There’s nothing like an upcoming election to help focus a lawmaker’s mind.

Congressional Republicans had found themselves in an untenable position – again. They want always to be seen as supporting lower taxes. And they want always to be seen as the party that cares deeply about the federal debt. And when these two supposedly inviolate notions run smack up against each other? Well, when there’s an election just down the road a piece, it’s time to get the matter behind you and move onto something else.

At the end of 2010, Congress cut by 2 percentage points the amount that employees pay toward Social Security. The goal at the time was to get some cash into people’s pockets and into the greater economy as quickly as possible. The temporary cut in the payroll tax, to 4.2 percent from 6.2 percent, would give someone grossing $50,000 annually nearly $20 more each week.

The deal had it all. It would give a boost to the economy even as it would give a hand to hard-working men and women across the land. Unfortunately, it would also add to the federal deficit.

Those who might like to point out that the Social Security trust fund hasn’t exactly been in a lockbox in recent years were not exactly thrilled. But the cut was only temporary, right?

Sure. But when it was set to expire last year, anyone who would even hint of restoring it was immediately branded as being for higher taxes and against working people. Which is how it ended up being extended for two months. And how a deal was struck on Tuesday to push it through the end of the year.

If the pact holds together for a Friday vote – and that’s far from certain – it will only be because of the November election.